New to me Model 15-2 *Update* range report

JSticks

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I was at my local range a couple of weeks ago and I noticed they had a model 15-2 for sale with target hammer and trigger and what looked like the original magna diamond stocks. S/N K6724XX. My search of this forum indicated a spring 1966 shipment date.

It looked nice, in the case, but when I held it I noticed that it had a decent finish, but for the side plate and a few other spots. Those were pitted and rough ("rust blossoms"). The revolver was covered in some sort of dried grease, hard to rub off with a paper towel. It appeared as though it had been taken care of, when in use, then left in a holster for decades. To my range's credit, it had made no effort to clean the 15-2. The price was not negotiable, $370.00 out the door but a $15.00 range credit was thrown in.

Well, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I went back a week later and bought it. Here are some pictures showing it after I cleaned and oiled it. (It was bone dry and difficult to take apart.) The pitting virtually disappeared after I used the method that I learned on this forum, rubbing the rust spots and pitting with copper and oil. I followed that with several coats of Ren Wax!

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I put the target stocks on it. They are about 10 years younger than the 15-2, It would have had football cutout stocks but with diamonds.

The revolver came with its original magnas, numbered to the revolver.

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The wear on the right side stock, and some holster wear on the tip of the barrel, indicates this was a carry piece at one time.


Trip to the range the other day. 15-2 grades A+, shooter C-. 12 shots double action at 10 yards.

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I'm old and had a difficult time seeing the front sight clearly. (I should probably paint it.) I was using 120 grain ammo when I usually use 158 grain and I left the sights as the prior owner had adjusted them, and "the dog ate my homework"!

But, all that said it was great fun to shoot!
 
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everything right happened here. you saw something, didn't impulse buy it and lucked out it was still there after thinking about it, the finish problems were fixable but kept the price ridiculously low, and you made it look great. I like your grip choice but would keep my eyes pealed for diamond targets or just leave it like in the picture.
 
Here's a picture with the magnas on the 15-2. First pair I've seen where the checkering seemed a little careless.

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I like the look and feel of the magnas with the Tyler T-Grips too! Here's my K 38 Masterpiece! The S&W targets are a little thick for me!

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But, I only have one Tyler T-grip! Dang!
 
Here's a picture with the magnas on the 15-2. First pair I've seen where the checkering seemed a little careless.

48019284237_a87d577844_c.jpg


I like the look and feel of the magnas with the Tyler T-Grips too! Here's my K 38 Masterpiece! The S&W targets are a little thick for me!

31566010677_fa0ac50aeb_c.jpg


But, I only have one Tyler T-grip! Dang!
If you want another T Grip, I have one in the safe for that Model 15. Send me a PM, if interested.
 
I am quite surprised that the 15 was still there a week later.
You got a great deal , especially with the target trigger.

I was a little surprised too. When I first looked at it I said it probably won't be here when I come back. The clerk said it probably would still be there. Seems like everyone at the range wants to shoot plastic, striker fired, 9mm's. Not my cup of tea!
 
I have a model 15-2 also. I think its one of the best guns you can own. Mine has been my HD gun for over 25 years now. You got a great gun at a fantastic price.

I wish I had a couple more model 15s or the SS equivalent model 67.

My 15-2 was a Ft Worth Police turn in my uncle got for me while he was on the FT Worth PD.
 
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"My 15-2 was a Ft Worth Police turn in my uncle got for me while he was on the FT Worth PD. "

You are certainly fortunate. That sounds like a real keeper. Provenance , even.
 
What's this copper and oil process you speak of?


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What's this copper and oil process you speak of?


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Apply some oil to the rust spot then rub-out the rust with the copper. The copper is soft and will not scrape, scratch or damage the bluing. Many use a copper penny. But, you have to make sure that you use a penny that predates the current ones that are copper coated zinc. I forgot when the switch occurred, but any penny minted earlier than 1970 should be OK. I have a scrap of pure copper sheathing left over from re-roofing my house that I used. The process works well and leaves what I guess is a dark stain that blends with the bluing.
 
I have a model 15-2 also. I think its one of the best guns you can own. Mine has been my HD gun for over 25 years now. You got a great gun at a fantastic price.

I wish I had a couple more model 15s or the SS equivalent model 67.

My 15-2 was a Ft Worth Police turn in my uncle got for me while he was on the FT Worth PD.

About 5 years ago I purchased a 15-3 that had been a Los Angelos Sheriff Department revolver. "LASD 3046" (I forgot the real number) was stamped below the cylinder of the left side of the frame. I liked the law enforcement provenance.

I posted a picture of it here and got a PM from another member. He is a Deputy with the Los Angelos Department. He had been looking for one of these for a long time and asked if I would sell it to him. I knew it meant a lot to him and he should have it, so we worked out a deal.

I guess this 15-2 is the replacement.
 
About 5 years ago I purchased a 15-3 that had been a Los Angelos Sheriff Department revolver. "LASD 3046" (I forgot the real number) was stamped below the cylinder of the left side of the frame. I liked the law enforcement provenance.

I posted a picture of it here and got a PM from another member. He is a Deputy with the Los Angelos Department. He had been looking for one of these for a long time and asked if I would sell it to him. I knew it meant a lot to him and he should have it, so we worked out a deal.

I guess this 15-2 is the replacement.

It appears that Karma was on your side ; helps explain the great deal you got.
 
Search on Amazon for copper wool. They sell the stuff that is pure copper, not copper coated steel and you want the finest wool they sell, similar to 0000 steel wool. With this, you get the benefit of the copper and the oil while applying some abrasion to the bluing that will not likely scratch or wear through unless you really bear down on it for a long period of time. A pad of that copper wool will last you a long time!
 

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